born to poor immigrant parents in the west african nation of cape verde, depina knows well barriers to a child's success. >> i use my hardships as a motivation. today as an educator, i tell my students, well, don't use your personal issues as an impediment for not coming to school and not succeeding in school. as a matter of fact, use that as a motivation because later on it will pay off. >> reporter: depina says the words in life of one of africa's greatest elders will long inspire. >> and this is the person i was talking about, nelson mandela. he has paved the way for others, and i think that cycle should only continue if you want to have a better world. >> reporter: many will remember how nelson mandela changed the world, including one kid in the bleachers who was moved to try to do the same one classroom at a time. >> there's no easy walk to freedom anywhere. >> reporter: jim axelrod, cbs news, boston. >>> coming up after your local news on "cbs this morning," special coverage on the death of nelson mandela. we'll take you live to johannesburg. >>> plus, reaction from the white hou